About Cuzco
Cusco or Cuzco is a city in southeastern Peru, near the Sacred Valley of the Andes mountain range, and the Huatanay and Urubamba rivers. It is the capital and largest city of the eponymous Cusco Province and Cusco Department. It has historically been one of the largest cultural, economic and political centers of Peru.
Places to visit in Cuzco
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Machu Picchu
Historic · 45 mi from centreThe famous Inca citadel perched on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River, reached by train and bus or on foot via the Inca Trail. Entry tickets are timed and limited, so book them well ahead.
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Sacsayhuamán
HistoricAn Inca fortress just above Cusco, built from huge stones fitted together without mortar. Walk up from the city center, but take it slowly to adjust to the high altitude.
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Qorikancha
HistoricThe most important temple of the Inca Empire, later topped by a Spanish convent built on its foundations. Look for the finely carved Inca stonework that survived several strong earthquakes.
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Cusco Cathedral
ReligiousA grand colonial cathedral on the main square, filled with Cusco School paintings, including a Last Supper featuring a roasted guinea pig. Consider buying a combined ticket that covers several religious sites.
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Plaza de Armas
LandmarkCusco's main square, framed by colonial arcades, churches and balconies, built over the old Inca central plaza. Come back after dark, when the lit-up churches create a memorable scene.
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Sacred Valley
Nature · 14 mi from centreA fertile valley along the Urubamba River dotted with Inca ruins, villages and markets. It sits lower than Cusco, so spending your first nights there can ease altitude adjustment.
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Ollantaytambo
Historic · 26 mi from centreAn Inca town with steep stone terraces and a temple complex overlooking narrow cobbled streets still in daily use. Many Machu Picchu trains depart from here, so it is an easy stop on the way.
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Rainbow Mountain
Nature · 52 mi from centreA mountain striped in red, gold and turquoise from mineral deposits, reached by a demanding high-altitude hike. Acclimatize for a few days in Cusco before attempting it, and bring warm layers.
Things to do in Cuzco by type
33 tours, tickets and experiences across 4 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Day Trips & Excursions 12 experiences Chinchero, Maras, Moray, Ollantaytambo and Pisac Market - Full-Day Private Tour -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 11 experiences Discover Humantay Lake - Full-Day Private Tour -
Art & culture 10 experiences Cusco City and the Bohemian Neighborhood of San Blas - Private Tour -
City tours 4 experiences Bohemian Neighborhood of San Blas - Private Walking Tour
- Over 6 hours 9
- 3-6 hours 3
- Flexible 1
- 1-3 hours 1
- Couples 6
- Youth 6
- Families 6
- Senior 5
- Private 7
Top experiences in Cuzco
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 33 available.
Hike to The Rainbow Mountain and Vinicunca - Full-Day Tour
From $112 per adult
Sacred Valley of the Incas Full Day Tour: Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Yucay Museum and Lunch
From $59 per adult
Explore Humantay Lake - Full-Day Tour
From $104 per adult
Discover Cusco City and Nearby Archaeological Sites
From $51 per adult
Discover Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Puka Pukara and Tambomachay - Half- Day Private Tour
From $70 per adult
Maras, Moray and Ccorccor Community Experience - Full-Day Private Tour
From $181 per adult
Walking Tour Cusco
From $30 per adult
Half-Day Private Tour to Ollantaytambo Fortress
From $131 per adult
Humantay Lagoon - Full-Day Tour
From $128 per adult
Cusco City and the Bohemian Neighborhood of San Blas - Private Tour
From $99 per adult
Maras and Moray - Half-Day Shared Tour
From $44 per adult
The Andean Baroque Route - Private Tour
From $154 per adult
Where to stay in Cuzco
Popular hotels in Cuzco, out of 227 properties you can book.
Hilton Garden Inn Cusco
From $80 per night
Jose Antonio Cusco
From $122 per night
Hotel Cusco La Paccha Affiliated by Melia
From $84 per night
Sonesta Hotel Cusco
From $160 per night
Novotel Cusco
From $83 per night
Union Hotel Cusco
From $95 per night
Costa del Sol Wyndham Cusco
From $117 per night
Del Pilar Ollantaytambo
From $82 per night
Rumi Wasi
From $77 per night
Yawar Inka Hotel
From $66 per night
Kori Gems Inn
From $44 per night
Hotel Plaza De Armas Cusco
From $85 per night
Best time to visit Cuzco
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Cuzco is June to August, when average daytime highs are around 65–66°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Cuzco weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 64° 47° 87%
- Thu 22 Oct 65° 44° 63%
- Fri 23 Oct 60° 44° 94%
- Sat 24 Oct 70° 42° 82%
- Sun 25 Oct 69° 44° 76%
- Mon 26 Oct 69° 47° 45%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Peruvian sol (PEN)1 US dollar ≈ S/.3.44
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +51
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/LimaUTC−5
- Capital
- Lima
Upcoming public holidays in Peru
- All Saints DayDía de Todos los Santos
- Immaculate ConceptionInmaculada Concepción
- Battle of AyacuchoBatalla de Ayacucho
- Christmas DayNavidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- Maundy ThursdayJueves Santo
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Cuzco
These are the airports closest to central Cuzco. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- CUZ Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport3 mi (4 km) from the city centre
Getting around Cuzco
The center of Cuzco is small enough to walk around, although you will probably need to catch a bus or taxi to the bus station, Sacsayhuamán or the airport. Beware about walking around at night alone or drunk as robberies have often been reported.
By bus
There are several smaller bus terminals in Cuzco that travel to other destinations around the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
By taxi
Taxis are very common in Cuzco. Officially they cost S/2–4 depending on distance. Call Cusco Taxi.mw-parser-output .error-deadlink{color:red;background:yellow;display:none;white-space:nowrap}[dead link]. Often the drivers isn't a local. Beware when using taxis at night; robberies have been reported in collusion with taxi cab drivers, and at certain times radio taxis may be the safest option.
By car
Driving in and around Cuzco can be very daunting, complete with a unique set of challenges that can make driving around Lima seem easy by comparison. However, a car does allow complete flexibility to enjoy the sites around the city and the surrounding region, without the complication of having to navigate the very confusing public transit system or being at the mercy of inflexible train schedules.
Cuzco travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Cuzco?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Cuzco is June to August, when average daytime highs are around 65–66°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
What is the weather like in Cuzco?
September is usually the warmest month in Cuzco, with average highs of 67°F (20°C). March is the coolest, with average lows of 45°F (7°C). The wettest month is typically November, with about 174 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Cuzco?
Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (4 km) from the centre of Cuzco.
What currency is used in Cuzco?
Cuzco uses the Peruvian sol (PEN). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ S/.3.44.
What time zone is Cuzco in?
Cuzco uses the America/Lima time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Cuzco?
The center of Cuzco is small enough to walk around, although you will probably need to catch a bus or taxi to the bus station, Sacsayhuamán or the airport. Beware about walking around at night alone or drunk as robberies have often been reported.
What are the best places to visit in Cuzco?
Top sights in Cuzco include Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuamán, Qorikancha and Cusco Cathedral. The famous Inca citadel perched on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba River, reached by train and bus or on foot via the Inca Trail. Entry tickets are timed and limited, so book them well ahead.
What are the top things to do in Cuzco?
Popular experiences you can book in Cuzco include Hike to The Rainbow Mountain and Vinicunca - Full-Day Tour, Sacred Valley of the Incas Full Day Tour: Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Yucay Museum and Lunch and Explore Humantay Lake - Full-Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 33 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Cuzco?
The most popular types of experiences in Cuzco are day trips & excursions (12), outdoor activities & adventure (11), art & culture (10) and city tours (4). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Cuzco?
Popular areas for hotels in Cuzco include Cuzco. Well-reviewed options include Hilton Garden Inn Cusco and Jose Antonio Cusco.
How many hotels can I book in Cuzco?
Destina Holidays currently lists 227 properties in and around Cuzco, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
